The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-08

The Emperor Talks of the Septenate and the
Attitude of the Pope.

The Emperor Talks of the Septenate and the
Attitude of the Pope.
BERLIN March 7.-Emperor William yester
day received Herr Wedelpiesdorff, the Presi-
dent of the Reichstag. In the conversation
which took place the Emperor said that he was
reluctantly compelled to dissolve the late Reichs
tag Despite his explanation to the Reichstag
of the superiority of Germany's neighbors over
her in military matters. the opposition majority
refused to sanction the military bill to the nee
essarv extent, and the reasonable hope that the
septenate term would have been adopted after
the example given by France proved fall
lacious. 1t was more gratifying to cher
ish the hope that large majority in the
new Reichstag would accept the bill at the out
set. Referring to the attitude of the Pope during
the elections he said he had already been
vinced of the pacific disposition of his Holiness,
and that it was on this account that Germany
had asked him to act as arbitrator in the dispute
with Spain about the Caroline islands. In con-
clusion, the Emperor expressed the hope that all
the ecclesiastical troubles between Prussia and
the Vatican would soon be peacefully and com
pletely settled
In the Reichstag, to-day, the ssptenate bill for
mally passed its frat reading. Prince Bismarck
was present. The bill will be taken up for sec
oud reading to morrow, and debate will ensue.
Herr Windthorst the leader of the Clerical
party will then declare his intentions in relation
to the septenate term. The other party lerders
have announced that they will vote as they did
when the bill was defeated in the late Reichstag.
George Bronsart Won Schellendorf, Minister
of War, introduced the septenate bill in the
Reichstag. In a speech presenting the measure
he said:
LET us forget what has passed. There is no
donbt about acceptance of the bill. but the
greater iority it receives the more significant
will be its success. Therefore, ask your votes
for the bill in as strong force as possible. This
will be the finest fruit the session will ripen."
Bennigsen said: My friends, l absolutely
favor the bill. The elections decided the matter
| which has a national character, espe-
cially in view of the state of for
| eign politics At such a moment it is necessary
| to sink all political differences and abandon
| mere party tactics. Let drop the question
whether greater danger threatens US from the
| east or from the west. One thing is certain
| The Emperor's unaterable love of peace is in
spring a peaceful German policy. and the stead
! fast enaeavor of the government is to maintain
| direct influence upon foreign affairs. 1t can.
however. strengthen the government by
promptly granting everything necessary for
| the defensive strength of the empire"
I DR. Wndthorst said he believed the bill should
! be RAPIDLY passed, and he would not provoke a
| discussion in committee. He reserved for the
| Center party until the entire results of the re-
| ballot were known the right Of defining its posi-
| ton.
Richter. the new German Liberal leader, said
| he maintained the stand taken by him before
| the dissolution of the last Reichstag He would
reintroduce his former motions. and, If rejected,
| would vote against the septenate.